Are you looking for a home security solution that doesn’t cost a ton?
Consider fake security cameras.
You get the deterrent factor of security cameras, without the high cost.
A dummy security camera may not fool a professional burglar, but it will trick just about anyone else into believing you home is under constant surveillance.
This will cause them to choose a different home to break into. One that does not have a security system. Little do they know that you don’t have one either!
No one can blame you for not installing a full-on home surveillance system. Obviously you want nothing more than to keep your family safe and protected, but it takes a lot of money to invest in a home security system.
Decoy security cameras are a great compromise. Read our buying guide to help you decide which is the best fake outdoor surveillance camera for you. Let’s begin by listing the top 5 for easy comparison.
Best Decoy Security Cameras Compared
Why Buy A Dummy Camera?
Dummy cameras don’t actually do anything. Does it really make sense to buy one? It does, but definitely not always. This guide will help you decide if decoy cameras are the right way to go in your case. Let’s begin by looking at some reasons why you might want to choose fake cameras over real ones.
Top-Quality Security Systems Are Expensive
On the average, a heavy-duty security camera system costs about $500. Some even spend up to $1000 (or even more) just to secure their property and their loved ones (if you want a real security system, we recommend this one from Lorex). It can also be time-consuming to figure out how to install a security camera (for more details, see: How to Install Lorex Security Systems).
Save Money With Authentic Looking Spy Cameras
We know one effective way to secure your home frugally. Fake the security system at home and still achieve the protection you’ve always wanted for your family. Our Top 5 Security Cameras give you the privilege of having a home security system without hundreds of dollars to spend.
5 Best Dummy Outdoor Security Cameras Reviewed
What we have in our list may be dummies but they look authentic. Indeed, our fake cameras look so real that no one will ever attempt to come near. Read on and see which dummy security is best for you.
Best Fake Dome Camera: VideoSecu Dome Decoy Security Cameras
VideoSecu 4 Pack Dome Dummy Fake Infrared IR CCTV Surveillance Security Cameras Imitation Simulated...
- Build-in continuous flashing light and fake IR LEDs
- Can be mounted on wall or ceiling. Easy and quick to install
- Cheap and effective way to deter criminals
- It looks extremely realistic with their fake lens and dummy IR illuminators
- Power requires: 2 x AA batteries (not included)
$25.00
The VideoSecu Dome Fake Security Cameras are our pick for the best dome style decoy. They are a bit more expensive than the next entry below, but they look more realistic.
Package of 4
You can easily install this set of four cameras in four different areas at home. Reviews online for this product are great, and people comment on how real it looks. Affordable home protection?
We LOVE that here at Spy Cameras Reviewed! We’re sure you will too so try them out and see for yourself what a difference it can make for your home or business.
Key Features Of The VideoSecu Camera
- Cameras are very realistic looking
- Very affordable, though higher priced than our pick for best budget dome camera below
- With fake Infrared LEDs to show continuous flashing of the light
- Easy to install with the included mounts
- Easy power functions (with only batteries needed)
- Have more weight to them than some similar products
What Do People Think About Them?
“Awesome cameras that are quite realistic looking. Easy to install and a nice price and you certainly have a winner.”
“My Mom lives near a high school and has trouble with vandalism. We got a few of these, which look real enough from the street. The stickers are a nice touch too.”
“Light sensors work well and I love the flashing light at night. It certainly gives me the feeling of being watched. I hope that criminals feel the same!”
Learn More About Them
To learn more about this fake wireless camera, check out: VideoSecu Dome Fake Security Cameras Reviewed. You can easily get the VideoSecu Dome Fake Security Cameras on Amazon today.
Best Budget Dummy Dome: WALI Dummy CCTV Dome Camera
WALI Dummy Fake Security CCTV Dome Camera with Flashing Red LED Light with Security Alert Sticker...
- Features: The inexpensive solution for security theft problems with the high resemblance to real...
- Design: Made of high quality and durable material. Compact design and easy to install. Appear to...
- Installation: Cheap and effective way to deter criminals. Installs quickly and easily to the ceiling...
- Environment: Protect your homes, shops, and business. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage....
- Package Includes: 4 x Wali Dome Simulation Camera (Black), 8 x Screw, 4 X Warning Security Alert...
$16.99
Our pick for the top budget dome-style fake camera is the 4 Pack Dummy Fake Security CCTV Dome Camera from WALI. With this fake security device, intruders will definitely back out and no longer attempt to enter your place.
Cheap, But Effective
Install this at home and no one outside your place is sure to notice that it is actually a dummy CCTV camera. What a cheap yet effective strategy to stop the attack of criminals, right?
Reasonably Priced
The low price is the best feature of these dummy cameras. You can purchase two or three sets for the same price of one set from many competing brands. Put some on your own property, take some to work and install them in your office or give some to a friend or family member for their place.
Authentic Looking
The WALI dome cameras will fool most people, but real burglars would likely see through the deception. While they look realistic at first glance, the ruse does not hold up under intense scrutiny. If you need the most realistic dome decoy possible, go with the ones from VideoSecu above.
Key Features
- Low price
- Cameras look real to casual observers
- Made of sturdy and high-quality materials
- Easy-to-install
- Package includes 4 dome cameras
- No wire or cord needed; just 2 batteries are required to operate this
Learn More About It
See: Full Review of the WALI Fake CCTV Dome Camera. You can get the WALI 4 Pack on Amazon today.
Best Fake Bullet Camera: WALI Dummy Bullet Surveillance Camera
WALI Bullet Dummy Fake Security Camera, Dummy Cameras with Realistic Red LED Light for Outdoor...
- Features: The inexpensive solution for security theft problems with high resemblance to real cameras...
- Design: The fake security cameras are made of high quality and durable material. Compact design and...
- Installation: Cheap and effective way to deter criminals. Installs quickly and easily to the ceiling...
- Environment: Protect your homes, shops and business. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage. Mix...
- Package Includes: 4 x Wali Bullet Simulation Camera (Silver), 12 x Screw, 4 x Steel Bracket, 4 X...
$27.99
The next entry in our top 5 fake security cameras is out top choice for bullet-style cameras: the WALI Decoy Outdoor CCTV Camera. If you’re searching for a really authentic-looking dummy security device, this one’s for you.
For Indoor Or Outdoor Use
Most likely you will want to use these cameras outdoors to deter burglars, but you can just as easily install it indoors to scare your teenager into sneaking out.
Highly Rated Product
With this Amazon top-rater, you are sure to scare the burglars without spending too much. It’s also very affordable! If you have this, everyone will think you own a high-end camera system that monitors 24 hours a day.
Just Requires 2 Batteries
The WALI dummy camera features a flashing light that makes it look very realistic. You don’t need a wire or cord to operate this device. You just need two AA batteries for it to function.
Includes Stickers
The WALI package comes with stickers that alert everyone that your house is under the watchful eye of security cameras, to add that extra bit of realism.
Key Features Of The WALI Dummy Bullet Security Cameras
- Affordable Price
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Can be operated with AA batteries
- Looks like a real security camera
- Comes with adjustable and movable bracket arm
- Includes stainless steel screw for mounting
- Includes security alert warning decals
Shop Now
See: Full Review of the WALI Fake Outdoor Bullet Security Camera. This model is now available on Amazon.
Best Solar-Powered Decoy: YSUCAU Solar Powered Dummy Camera
YSUCAU Solar Powered CCTV Security Fake Dummy Camera with Flashing Led Outdoor/Indoor Use for Homes...
- ☛ Solar powered: The solar system will work automatically in a well-lit environment during the...
- ☛ Flashing Led: Blinking red LED powered by solar or 2pcs AA batteries saves more power and makes...
- ☛ Indoor or Outdoor Use: This camera is designed to be used indoors or outdoors. If used outdoors...
- ☛ Usage: This professional-looking Dummy/Fake Solar Powered Security Camera is made to look like...
- ☛ No installation restrictions: install it anywhere without cabling needed and no need to find any...
$18.97
The YSUCAU Solar Powered Fake Camera is highly rated by reviewers for its price to performance, despite costing more than most other models.
It looks incredibly real and will fool just about anyone. We rated it lower than our top pick solely because of the higher price.
Solar Powered
This decoy model uses solar power to keep the LED light flashing, which helps convince observers it is real. If you want the light to keep flashing at night, or if you install the camera indoors, you will need to use 2 AA batteries.
Indoor And Outdoor Use
This camera is designed to be used anywhere, but if you install it outdoors, you’ll want to put it somewhere where it is shielded from the rain. It is not waterproof.
Wireless Dummy Camera On Amazon
While this is one of the more expensive models available on Amazon, it looks incredibly realistic and is well-built. The LED light in this device will help convince all but the most seasoned burglars that your home is well-protected.
Key Features Of The Solar Powered Fake Camera
- Solar powered
- For indoor and outdoor use
- Long battery life of up to 12 months (requires 2 AA batteries, not included)
- Flexible bracket for more convenient mounting
- Looks very real
- Illuminating LED light
- Includes a video surveillance sign
What Do People Think About YSUCAU Dummy Camera?
“Very authentic looking and quite durable as well. I installed them at my shop, and my employees all thought they were real! They couldn’t believe it when I told them they were fakes. The battery life is quite impressive so far.”
“I put these up around my house and my neighbour spends his day waving at them. Haha! They look quite realistic, at least from a distance and I hope they can deter criminals.”
“An excellent value for the price. I looked at a few different options before buying these ones, and these ones from YSUCAU seem like the best of the bunch. Don’t use that cheap sticker sign though. You can easily buy a higher-quality video surveillance sign from anywhere you would buy a real security camera.”
Learn More About It
See: Full Review of the YSUCAU Solar Powered Fake Camera. You can easily purchase this camera on Amazon.
Best Budget Bullet: Masione Dummy Security Camera
The last, but definitely not least, of our top 5 fake security cameras is the Masione Dummy Security Camera. It’s one of the best-selling products on the market, in large part due to the low price.
Despite the low price, these will fool anyone taking a quick look at them into thinking they are seeing an actual and authentic CCTV camera. You have to inspect these pretty closely to find out they’re fake.
Includes Home Security Stickers
These warning decals let everyone know that your place is guarded by an authentic spy camera security system. Security stickers are included for each camera in the pack. They indicate total protection of the whole place.
Includes Mounting Hardware
Undoubtedly worth its price, this fake CCTV camera includes a complete mounting adjustable hardware, which makes for easy installation. If you intend to scare the burglars away, you will definitely succeed with this real-looking spy camera. Its flashing LED lights become more visible in the dark.
Sleek Black And Realistic Design
The design of these decoys Masione is very realistic looking and the housing is quite sturdy. The black paint job is well done and they certainly look like they might contain a real camera in them.
Key Features Of the Masione Dummy Security Camera
- The affordable price
- With 4 bullet style cameras
- Comes with security stickers
- With flashing LED feature to make it appear real and seem like it has night vision capabilities
- Masione security cameras are easy-to-operate
- Only 2 AA batteries needed for power
- Can be used for both indoor and outdoor use
- One of the best fake security cameras you can buy
What People are Saying about Masione Security Cameras
“I love these things. They’re quite realistic and came with everything I needed to install them quickly and easily. You’ll find that it’s not easy to tell they’re fake unless you’re right up close looking at them. For most people, it’s good enough.”
“Masione security cameras are great for the price and look realistic from a distance. They look like fake cameras when you’re up close, but that’s the same as with most of them, and not a particular flaw of this brand. The kids in my neighborhood were vandalizing my property, which stopped the day that I put these in. I only wish that I’d done it sooner.”
“Great product for a super reasonable price. I have a limited budget, but wanted to get something to deter the criminals that seem to hang out around my home. So far, so good and I don’t think anyone would know they weren’t real until they were right up next to them.”
Learn More About One Of The Best Decoy Security Cameras
See: Full Review of the Masione Dummy Security Camera. You can purchase the Masione Dummy Security Camera on Amazon.
Where To Put Fake Security Cameras?
Okay, so you’ve got your new fake security cameras, but aren’t sure where to put them. You’ll want to check out all the details here: Where to Put Dummy Security Cameras.
If you just want a few quick tips, keep reading.
Keep Them Under Cover
Keep them out of the rain. Although fake security cameras don’t have any moving parts, and won’t “break” if you expose them to the elements, it’ll be very obvious that they’re fake if you don’t protect them. Just pretend that they’re not weatherproof for the best results.
Front And Back Doors
Any real security system would have a security camera pointed at these key entry points into a house. You should do the same thing with your fake cameras. Probably the most important part of your entire house is the front door so pay special attention to that.
Ensuring Good Coverage Of Your Entire Property
If you had 4 real security cameras, you’d ensure that they covered your property well. Front and back door, and perhaps one on each side of the house. Or, one of them pointed at your storage shed or garage. Make things more realistic by doing the same with your fake cameras.
Surveillance Cameras: Not At Eye Level
Keep your dummy cameras high, and out of reach, just like you’d place a regular security camera. Place them high enough that someone who is going to commit a crime wouldn’t be able to just bash them with something like a crowbar or baseball bat.
Mount Them Wherever You’d Put Real Security Cameras
Think about where you’d put a real surveillance camera, and in which direction you’d point it for the best coverage. Place your dummy cameras in the exact same way as real cameras in order to make them look as realistic as possible.
Real Vs Fake Security Cameras: Which Ones Do I Need?
In general, we almost always recommend sticking with real security cameras if you can afford them. There are a few reasons for this.
Criminals Often Know The Difference
The neighbor kid who is tampering with something in your yard, of the dog-walker not picking up poo will not know the difference between a real and fake CCTV surveillance camera.
However, thieves often will, so a dummy camera may have a small effect, but not as much as you might think. Something like a blinking light or movement with motion, which we think makes them look quite realistic can often be a dead giveaway. Real security cameras just don’t often have these features.
A Record In Case Of Crimes
One of the most useful thing about surveillance systems is that you can have a record of things in case of a crime, even in low light conditions if you have camera with night vision. This can be extremely useful for the police in solving a crime.
Remote Access
Finally, a real system can often allow you remote access via Smartphone app so you can keep an eye on your home remotely. This can offer some serious peace of mind when on an extended vacation, or when leaving kids at home alone.
False Sense Of Security With Dummy Cameras
Dummy cameras are better than nothing, but they can offer a false sense of security. They may protect your home or business from teenagers or casual criminals, but the hardened ones? They know the difference at a glance.
That said, the best fake cameras are quite realistic looking and would fool the vast majority of people.
Top Picks For Surveillance Cameras
If you have something valuable to protect, or live in a high crime area, then you’re going to want to seriously consider a top-notch real security camera. They can be surprisingly affordable, and the first crime they prevent, or help to catch the bad guy, well, they’ll be worth their weight in gold.
Fake Security Cameras On Amazon: Your Thoughts
What are your top picks on Amazon? Do fake security cameras really work? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.
Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. It’ll help other people, like yourself who are concerned about home security find this useful resource.
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Last update on 2025-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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